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The Surf Shanty Motel

2.5 star property
Travelers can pedal along the coast with included bike rentals at this beachside haven, then unwind at one of many nearby beach bars for sun-soaked relaxation.

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Photo gallery for The Surf Shanty Motel

Exterior - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
Ground Floor - Tub | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
Designer toiletries, hair dryer, towels - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
Exterior - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
Front of property - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
The Surf Shanty Motel, steps from Dewey Beach, offers a relaxed coastal vibe. Guests enjoy free WiFi, bike rentals for seaside exploration, and 20 beach bars nearby. The property is smoke-free for everyone's comfort.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

Room options

View all photos for Ground Floor - Tub

Ground Floor - Tub | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Ground Floor - Tub

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(28 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Pillowtop bed
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Second Floor - Shower

Second Floor - Shower | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Second Floor - Shower

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(30 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Pillowtop bed
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Third Floor - Shower

Third Floor - Shower | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Third Floor - Shower

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(37 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Pillowtop bed
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Dewey Beach, The Surf Shanty Motel is near the beach. Shoppers can check out Tanger Outlets, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Dewey Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park. Don't miss out on a visit to Funland. Be sure not to miss outdoor adventures like hiking/biking trails and ecotours, or hop on a moped rental nearby and take a self-guided tour around the area. Visit our Dewey Beach travel guide
View more Motels in Dewey Beach
Map
21 Van Dyke Ave, Dewey Beach, DE, 19971

What's nearby

  • Beautiful view of sunrise near Indian River Bridge, Bethany Beach, Delaware, U.S.A
    Indian Beach
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Sunset on the deck of the Big Chill Beach Club. Try the Poke, it is very tasty!
    Delaware Seashore State Park
    14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Dewey Beach
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Dewey Beach Parasail
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Bottle & Cork
    8 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County)
    40 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Starboard
    10 min walk
  • Rusty Rudder
    4 min walk
  • Woody's Dewey Beach
    9 min walk
  • Dewey Beer Co.
    10 min walk
  • Grotto Pizza
    5 min walk

About this property

The Surf Shanty Motel

Motel near Dewey Beach
Located close to Funland and Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, The Surf Shanty Motel provides 20 beach bars. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Free bicycle rentals, express check-out, and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the beach locale and helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at The Surf Shanty Motel boast comforts such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and free bottled water. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
Other amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and hair dryers
  • 55-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Mini fridges and heating

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking (max 1 space per unit)

Food and drink

  • 20 beach bars

Things to do

  • Free bicycle rentals

Family friendly

  • Mini-fridge

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Lever door handles
  • No elevator
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

The Surf Shanty Motel Motel
The Surf Shanty Motel Dewey Beach
The Surf Shanty Motel Motel Dewey Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is The Surf Shanty Motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Surf Shanty Motel located?

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Dewey Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park. Rehoboth Beach and Rehoboth Beach Convention Center are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.2

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 263 out of 310 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 44 out of 310 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 310 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 310 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 310 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean, staff was great, close to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun motel near beach, always clean and friendly staff!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, great location and staff super friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was clean and the staff were very helpful. The only negative was there was no closet to hang our dresses. We came for a wedding and it would have been nice to have somewhere to hang out gowns. Other than than that we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mihalis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is always super nice. Hotel is quiet, clean, and in a good location. Stayed here 3 times now and always had a good experience l.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location!

Great location. Cute decor. Convenient check in and out.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Agnieszka

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location and friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean property. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room is clean , bed is comfortable , location is good, close to beach and shops, will come back
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Surf Shanty Love

The staff is always the best. Perfect location. Friendly and we love staying here. Will be back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay, the rooms are very clean and modern. The location of this motel was perfect. The staff was extremely friendly. I really enjoyed my stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the added little touches to the room…color variation in decor! Loved the sound machine too! Very comfortable & clean! Would absolutely recommend this property! Could walk to various restaurants & beach! Easy drive to Rehoboth boardwalk.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Effecient

Easy check in. Great location. Safe and welcoming
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a great stay at the Surf Shanty! This was my first time staying here and I will definitely be back. Everything was perfect; quiet area, walkable, safe, bikes available, clean, easy access to the ice machine. I have come to Dewey every year for the past 20 years and this has become a new favorite motel. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and location is great. Easy access to beach and several restaurants with live music in the evening. On site manager is super friendly and can provide recommendations to new visitors.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Libby

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place to stay.

We had a great experience staying at Surf Shanty Motel! Our room was very nice and super clean. The manager was super friendly and helpful. Great location and we’ll definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cute and tucked away from the hubbub!

Just got back from our beautiful 2 night stay at the Surf Shanty. Whoever owns this hotel put a lot of love and creativity into refurbishing it. The rooms are beautifully done and there are many thoughtful little touches including Aveda products for the shower. Well lit inside and out and a compact little parking lot in front exclusively for quests. We found the beds to be comfortable, the shower hot, the AC cool, the TV big, and the hotel itself, quiet. Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Check in was easy, parking very good in a crowded beach town. Room was simple but well appointed.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josselyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
loved staying here.. great location, can’t wait to be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best beach vacation stay.

The hotel was clean, quiet, right ny the beach and staff was amazing. My family loved it. ANDRE was very helpful with what ever we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice remodel of an older property. Great Location. Steps from the beach or restuarants.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super clean and staff is very friendly - everything you need for a quick beach trip
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We loved our time at the Surf Shanty - very clean, comfortable, modern, and amazing location!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Curt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronnyne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Definitely will be back!

Loved loved LOVED it! This motel is about 150-200 steps from the beach. It was perfect for our stay. The manager was attentive and helpful. The rooms were super clean and the beds were so comfortable. I slept so well here. Definitely will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025